Child Leash Controversy: The Hidden Dangers and Benefits

As parents, we have all had that pang of intense fear as our toddlers suddenly bolt toward something dangerous. You feel the panic grip your throat and your heart pound in your chest as you think of all the worst-case scenarios. It’s easy to understand why some parents use a child leash. But this relatively new device for staying connected with our children comes with a ton of controversy and judgment.

Let’s explore the hidden dangers and benefits of a child harness.

What is a Toddler Leash?

It is a device designed to keep young children near their caregivers. It is used to stop young children from wandering off and separating from the caregiver. They come in different forms:

1. Attaches child’s wrist and tethered to caregiver’s wrist
2. A backpack that the child wears and the caregiver holds in their hand or on their wrist
3. A chest harness that the caregiver holds in their hand or on their wrist

What the Science and Experts Tell Us

Physical Injury

There is not enough data to indicate that child harnesses cause injury in and of themselves. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (USPC) has not issued any recalls for these products.

It’s impossible to tell how many injuries it has prevented (such as a child running into a busy street). There is a lack of data on why, when, and how parents use these leashes.

Psychological Damage

A significant issue people have with child leashes is the comparison to treating children like dogs.

There is no evidence that wearing a child harness causes psychological distress to the child. In fact, my toddler would love any occasion to pretend to be a dog, but that is another issue altogether.

Instead, the psychological damage that could arise would come from other people who openly mock or harass parents who used a child leash. This issue does not stem directly from the child harness, but the unkindness of other people.

Some argue that it could create embarrassment in children that could be carried over a lifetime. No matter what we do as parents, our children are going to find something to be embarrassed by. It’s a right of passage that all children experience. This embarrassment can include the cute outfits we pick out for them to wear or the haircuts we choose.

The Dangers

1. Accidental injury: If you pull suddenly on the child leash, this can cause the child to fall backward. There is a risk of injury to the head or extremities. Avoid tugging or snapping the attachment.
2. Parental Judgment: parents and even non-parents, criticize and judge any caregiver that chooses to use one.
3. Choking hazard: Since it has cords, there is a slight risk of entanglement or choking. This risk is similar to that of other loose cords, like window blinds. Since they are used with the supervision of a parent, this risk is significantly reduced. When it is not in use, store it out of a child’s reach.

The Benefits

1. Keeping Track of Your Child: When traveling or exploring an area with crowds, a child harness gives you the comfort of knowing your child is nearby. They are particularly beneficial for children who are impulsive or special-needs children that tend to put themselves in dangerous situations.
2. Helpful for Multiple Children: With you are a parent of multiple young children, it can be daunting and overwhelming trying to safely navigate life, especially if you are on your own. Child harnesses can provide enough security for the parent to handle daily obligations on their own.
3. Your child has some independence: Compared to a stroller where children are pushed around, a child leash lets them have some control over where they would like to explore and go. They will feel like they have more responsibility and control of their environment.
4. Your child burns some energy: If your child is spending most of their time being pushed in a stroller, they aren’t being physically active. A toddler harness lets them practice their gross motor skills like walking.

Tips for Using a Child Leash Responsibly

1. Choose Appropriate Situations: Toddler harnesses should be used in areas where there are crowds of people and it is easy to lose track of your child, such as when traveling with a toddler through airports or at theme parks.
2. Communicate Clearly with your child: Let your child know why they are wearing it and what the rules are. Tell them they still need to ask you if they want to go to a certain area or explore elsewhere. Make sure they know not to take off at the sprint without warning or get themselves tangled up with other people.
3. Checking in: Keep your child engaged by checking in regularly, asking questions, and offering positive reinforcement.
4. Use Positive Reinforcement: When your child is wearing a child harness, praise them when they are walking calmly and within reach. This positive reinforcement will encourage them to continue to do that same behavior more often, leading to needing the leash less often.
5. Gradual Independence: As the child grows older and becomes more aware of their surroundings and safety rules, reduce the use of it. This gradual increase in independence means that you feel more secure knowing your child knows how to stay close.

Best-Rated Toddler Harnesses

If you are looking to buy one, there are some things you should consider before you purchase:

1. Choose harness or backpack style. Avoid ones that attach to the wrist or other extremities.
2. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use. Ensure it is properly secure and the right size for the child to reduce the risk of injury.
3. Check Consumer Product Safety Commission for any recalls. Consult reviews of the product before making a final purchase.

Some of the highest-rating child harnesses on Amazon

1. Accmor 3-in-1 Toddler Harness: comes in pink or purple with butterfly wings.
2. Accmor Toddler Harness: cute dinosaur design in green, with extra storage pouch
3. Blisstime 2-in-1 Toddler Leash: minimal chest harness in teal, blue, or pink

Conclusion

Child leashes remain a hugely controversial topic in the parenting community. We should explore both the benefits and risks to make an informed decision. Ultimately, the decision is up to the parents, taking into careful consideration of the child’s needs and the family’s expectations. It’s important to find a balance between safety and independence for your child’s development.

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